Has ESPN Grown Cocky?

ESPN has done some strange things lately, most to the detriment of the people tuning in. 

On at least two occasions, reporters have disrupted the event just so they could talk.   The first was during the IZOD IndyCar Series race broadcast from Iowa.  A reporter interviewing Danica Patrick actually followed her across the stage during driver introductions, talking the whole time, and even talking to her while she was being presented a sponsor award.   A classless and totally disrespectful act.  Another even more classless and disrespectful act was committed by Pam Shriver during the Wimbledon Championships.   As any tennis fan will tell you, the common courtesy is to be quiet during points, but Shriver, who, as a former player, certainly should know better, was commenting loud enough to be heard by the players during the point.  Even though it was brought to her attention, Shriver continued during the next point.  At this point, most spectators would have been removed from the court, but Shriver continued.   Here’s a tip, if you want to be part of the action, play the game, otherwise, stay in the background or in the pressbox.

ESPN management is confusing me also.  I acknowledge it must be difficult to schedule when multiple large-scale events are occuring on the same day, but please, pick a channel.   How many times a day does one have to change stations just to continue watching a broadcast of a single event?   There are several ESPN channels available, why not have Wimbledon on one, World Cup on another, etc.  Today’s coverage of Wimbledon changed stations at least 3 times.  Some worldwide events are held during the American workday.  As a result, many people are at work and set their DVR to record for later viewing.   This proves to be an exercise in futility as events are moved from station to station at seemingly random intervals.

ESPN touts itself as the leader in worldwide sports.  Few would dispute that claim.  Let’s hope they wise up and realize what made them great, providing sports coverage to the masses better than anyone else.   We may have tuned in 30 years ago to watch Shriver play, but we don’t tune in now for her… it is the sport we care about.  Otherwise, we can just watch Oprah, at least we can set the DVR for her show.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares